Looking for the ideal accessory to go with your new timepiece? Or are you looking for a method to spruce up an old favorite in your collection? We’re always impressed at how much a strap can alter and enhance the design of a watch.
You should think carefully about the strap you select to pair it with, just as you may think about the style, functionality, and cost of the watch you buy. With that in mind, we realize there’s a lot of options out there like the omega rubber strap, so we’ve put up this article to help you out.
What are the different types of watch straps?
Let’s start with the fundamentals. When it comes to pairing your watch with a strap, whatever model you have, you have a variety of possibilities. We’ll go over five of the most common watch straps and propose which watch they’d go with, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
1. Metal watch bands
Metal watch straps, often known as “link straps,” are made of a variety of materials, the most popular of which are stainless steel and titanium.
This style of the watch strap is typically tough, stylish, and incredibly adaptable, making it equally at home in the office as it is on a diving expedition or a night out with friends. As a result, they look well with anything from a vintage-style wristwatch with a modern touch to a more sporty watch like a diving watch.
2. Leather watch straps
Leather watch straps are the most classic material for a watch strap, and they offer a touch of refinement to any timepiece they’re worn with. Find just the right leather strap to dress up a favorite everyday wearing or to enhance your vintage chronograph.
Leather comes in a variety of colors, ranging from light tan to a deep mahogany brown and black, depending on how it’s made. Distinct types of leather have different effects: calf leather is recognized for being soft and smooth on the skin, but exotic leathers like ostrich or crocodile have more roughness.
3. NATO Watch straps
The NATO watch strap is a direct import from the British Army, which created it in the 1970s in response to a demand for a rugged, dependable, and economical design. The NATO strap is unique in that it is composed of simply one piece of material. It is usually made of nylon, although it can also be found in other materials such as cotton or canvas (unlike other watch straps which have two separate parts).
The strap is easily threaded through the spring bars, making it simple to adjust. It’s also less likely to come undone or fall off your wrist because even if one of the spring bars breaks, the strap stays on your wrist – making it ideal for all action sports. The NATO-type strap is most often associated with adventure or military timepieces, although it’s not uncommon to see it on more high-end models as well; James Bond famously wore a NATO-style strap in major movies.
What Are The Things To Consider Before Buying a Watch Strap ?
1. Select the appropriate size
To be sure you’re getting the appropriate size strap, measure the distance between the watch lugs (the point of intersection between and the watch). A strap that is too large will bunch up and fall off, or it will not fit. A strap that is too narrow can leave an ugly gap or cause a bothersome shifting motion as your watch moves independently of your strap.
The width of a lug is often measured in millimeters and this is why sizes like 22mm or 24mm can be found on websites. Before you buy, get a ruler, then measure the distance between the lugs. You can also use Google or the manufacturer’s website to seek up your lug widths. Even numbers are more common, while odd numbers are more difficult to come by.
2. Select the appropriate length
The majority of watch straps or rubber watch bands are the conventional length and will fit most wrists. If your wrists are very large or small, you may wish to consider a shorter or longer strap. Wrap a piece of paper around your wrist and measure it using a gentle tape measure or wrap a piece of paper around your wrist and measure it flat.
The length of a watch strap, like the breadth, is generally measured in millimeters. Sizes are occasionally shown in inches instead of feet on websites aimed at Americans. You’ll also frequently see two sizes listed next to each other, such as 120/75mm.
These are the dimensions for each side of the watch strap you’re purchasing. The buckle end is normally the smaller size, whereas the end with the holes punched along it is usually the larger size.
3. Obtain the necessary equipment
A spring bar tool is used to remove watch straps. On Amazon, they’re approximately $10 and make it much easier to remove your old strap and replace it with your new one. In a pinch, a little screwdriver or a knife will suffice. You’ll also need a soft cloth to rest your watch on to avoid scratching it.
The spring bars may be missing if your watch has no strap at all. New spring bars can be purchased for a few dollars, though some strap companies include them for free. The bars are likewise measured in millimeters, so you’ll have to buy them cut to size.
Some watch strap manufacturers offer quick-release straps that do not require the use of a spring bar tool. Instead, the spring bar is compressed using a small knob on the bottom of the strap. Barton Bands and Carty are two examples.
4. Examine the hardware
Some watch straps are sold without buckles on occasion, so double-check the listing before purchasing. You don’t want to buy a gorgeous strap just to discover that you also need to buy a buckle to go with it.
You might wish to change the stock buckle with another one that suits your case, on the other hand. Because some replacement watch strap hardware is brushed or stainless steel, you may want to hunt for matching hardware elsewhere if your watch case isn’t one of those two hues. Gold, rose gold, and black are among the most common colors.